North is back in the Scarlets' starting XV for their final Heineken Cup pool five clash against Clermont Auvergne after recovering from a neck injury. The Wales winger had looked to be set for a prolonged period on the sidelines when he suffered a nasty injury against Ulster on January 5 but subsequent scans eased Welsh fears.

Flanker Shingler is named on the bench for the Scarlets' home clash on Saturday having recovered from a groin problem which had threatened to keep him out of Wales' opening Six Nations clash against Ireland on February 2.

Byrne, who returned to the Wales squad of the 2013 Six Nations after a long absence, is included in the Clermont side after passing a fitness. The 32-year-old has recovered from a fractured vertebrae.

Centre Scott Williams misses the Scarlets' clash with a shoulder injury but will be fit to link up with Wales next week.

Elsewhere James Hook eased fears a chest infection could jeopardise his involvement against Ireland as he came on a substitute for Perpignan against Rovigo in the Amlin Challenge Cup last night.